Agonist-induced phosphorylation and desensitization of human m2 muscarinic cholinergic receptors in Sf9 insect cells

Structure of the vasopressin hormone-V2 receptor-β-arrestin1 ternary complex

Arrestins interact with G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) to stop G protein activation and to initiate key signaling pathways. Recent structural studies shed light on the molecular mechanisms involved in GPCR-arrestin coupling, but whether this process is conserved among GPCRs is poorly understood. Here, we report the cryo-electron microscopy active structure of the wild-type arginine-vasopressin V2 receptor (V2R) in complex with β-arrestin1. It reveals an atypical position of β-arrestin1 compared to previously described GPCR-arrestin assemblies, associated with an original V2R/β-arrestin1 interface involving all receptor intracellular loops. Phosphorylated sites of the V2R carboxyl terminus are clearly identified and interact extensively with the β-arrestin1 N-lobe, in agreement with structural data obtained with chimeric or synthetic systems. Overall, these findings highlight a notable structural variability among GPCR-arrestin signaling complexes.

Prostaglandin F₂α modulates atrial chronotropic hyporesponsiveness to cholinergic stimulation in endotoxemic rats

Endotoxemia induces various physiological adaptive responses such as tachycardia. There is evidence to show that inflammatory tachycardia might be linked to a direct action of prostanoids on the cardiac pacemaker cells. Recent reports have indicated that systemic inflammation may uncouple of cardiac pacemaker from cholinergic neural control in experimental animals; however, the exact mechanism of this phenomenon is uncertain. This study was aimed to explore the hypothesis that prostanoids modulate atrial chronotropic hyporesponsiveness to cholinergic stimulation in endotoxemic rats. Male albino rats were given intraperitoneal injection of either saline or lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 1 mg/kg). 3 h after saline or LPS injection, the atria were isolated and chronotropic responsiveness to cholinergic stimulation was evaluated in an organ bath. The expression of atrial cyclooxygenases (COX)-1, COX-2 and COX-3 mRNA was assessed by quantitative real-time RT-PCR and cytosocalcium-dependent phospholipase A₂ (cPLA₂) activity was measured in the atria. The expression of atrial COX-2 mRNA and cPLA₂ activity increased significantly in endotoxemic atria (P<0.05). Incubation with prostaglandin F₂α (PGF₂α, 100 pM) could significantly decrease chronotropic response to cholinergic stimulation in vitro. Likewise, LPS injection could induce a significant hyporesponsiveness to cholinergic stimulation, and incubation of isolated atria with either indomethacin (5 µM) or AL-8810 (a PGF₂α antagonist, 10 µM) could reverse it (P<0.01, P<0.05, respectively), while SQ29548 (a thromboxane A₂ antagonist, 10 nM) was failed (P>0.05). Our data showed that PGF₂α may contribute to the atrial chronotropic hyporesponsiveness to cholinergic stimulation in endotoxemic rats.

Sf9 cells: a versatile model system to investigate the pharmacological properties of G protein-coupled receptors

The Sf9 cell/baculovirus expression system is widely used for high-level protein expression, often with the purpose of purification. However, proteins may also be functionally expressed in the defined Sf9 cell environment. According to the literature, the pharmacology of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) functionally reconstituted in Sf9 cells is similar to the receptor properties in mammalian cells. Sf9 cells express both recombinant GPCRs and G-proteins at much higher levels than mammalian cells. Sf9 cells can be grown in suspension culture, providing an inexpensive way of obtaining large protein amounts. Co-infection with various baculoviruses allows free combination of GPCRs with different G-proteins. The absence of constitutively active receptors in Sf9 cells provides an excellent signal-to background ratio in functional assays, allowing the detection of agonist-independent receptor activity and of small ligand-induced signals including partial agonistic and inverse agonistic effects. Insect cell Gα(i)-like proteins mostly do not couple productively to mammalian GPCRs. Thus, unlike in mammalian cells, Sf9 cells do not require pertussis toxin treatment to obtain a Gα(i)-free environment. Co-expression of GPCRs with Gα(i1), Gα(i2), Gα(i3) or Gα(o) in Sf9 cells allows the generation of a selectivity profile for these Gα(i/o)-isoforms. Additionally, GPCR-G-protein combinations can be compared with defined 1:1 stoichiometry by expressing GPCR-Gα fusion proteins. Sf9 cells can also be employed for ligand screening in medicinal chemistry programs, using radioligand binding assays or functional assays, like the steady-state GTPase- or [(35)S]GTPγS binding assay. This review shows that Sf9 cells are a versatile model system to investigate the pharmacological properties of GPCRs.

Arrestins and two receptor kinases are upregulated in Parkinson's disease with dementia

Arrestins and G proteins-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) regulate signaling and trafficking of G protein-coupled receptors. We investigated changes in the expression of arrestins and GRKs in the striatum of patients with Parkinson's disease without (PD) or with dementia (PDD) at postmortem using Western blotting and ribonuclease protection assay. Both PD and PDD groups had similar degree of dopamine depletion in all striatal regions. Arrestin proteins and mRNAs were increased in the PDD group throughout striatum. Protein and mRNA of GRK5, the major subtype in the human striatum, and GRK3 were also upregulated, whereas GRK2 and 6 were mostly unchanged. The PD group had lower concentration of arrestins and GRKs than the PDD group. There was no statistical link between the load of Alzheimer's pathology and the expression of these signaling proteins. Upregulation of arrestins and GRK in PDD may confer resistance to the therapeutic effects of levodopa often observed in these patients. In addition, increased arrestin and GRK concentrations may lead to dementia via perturbation of multiple signaling mechanisms.

L-DOPA reverses the MPTP-induced elevation of the arrestin2 and GRK6 expression and enhanced ERK activation in monkey brain

Dysregulation of dopamine receptors (DARs) is believed to contribute to Parkinson disease (PD) pathology. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) undergo desensitization via activation-dependent phosphorylation by G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) followed by arrestin binding. Using quantitative Western blotting, we detected profound differences in the expression of arrestin2 and GRKs among four experimental groups of nonhuman primates: (1) normal, (2) parkinsonian, (3) parkinsonian treated with levodopa without or (4) with dyskinesia. Arrestin2 and GRK6 expression was significantly elevated in the MPTP-lesioned group in most brain regions; GRK2 was increased in caudal caudate and internal globus pallidus. Neither levodopa-treated group differed significantly from control. The only dyskinesia-specific change was an elevation of GRK3 in the ventral striatum of the dyskinetic group. Changes in arrestin and GRK expression in the MPTP group were accompanied by enhanced ERK activation and elevated total ERK expression, which were also reversed by L-DOPA. The data suggest the involvement of arrestins and GRKs in Parkinson disease pathology and the effects of levodopa treatment.

Arrestin2 expression selectively increases during neural differentiation

Arrestins and G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) are key players in homologous desensitization of G protein-coupled receptors. Two non-visual arrestins, arrestin2 and 3, and five GRKs (GRK2, 3, 4, 5 and 6) are involved in desensitization of many receptors. Here, we demonstrate a steady increase in arrestin2 expression during prenatal development. The density of arrestin2 mRNA is higher in differentiated areas as compared with proliferative zones, whereas arrestin3 mRNA shows the opposite distribution. At embryonic day 14, concentrations of arrestin proteins are similar (32-34 nM). Later in development, arrestin2 expression rises, leading to a fourfold excess of arrestin2 over arrestin3 at birth (48 vs. 11 ng/mg protein or 102 vs. 25 nM). Among GRKs, only GRK5 increased with embryonic age from 124 nm at E14 to 359 nM at birth. Similarly, in vitro differentiation of cultured precursor cells, neurospheres, leads to a significant up-regulation of arrestin2 resulting in > 20-fold excess of arrestin2 (160 vs. 7 nM). GRK5 is the only subtype increased with neurosphere differentiation, although the change is only about twofold. The data demonstrate selective increases in the expression of arrestin2 associated with neural development and suggest specific yet unappreciated roles for arrestin2 in neural differentiation.

Carbachol-induced secretion and homologous desensitization in rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cells transfected with human m2 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors

Carbachol (CCh) caused a dose-dependent release of beta-hexosaminidase and an increase in the production of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) in RBL-2H3 cells transfected with m2 mAChR cDNA (RBL-m2 cells). The secretion was completely inhibited by LaCl3 and pertussis toxin. The secretion was dependent on extracellular Ca2+ and mediated through the pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein. Exposing RBL-m2 cells to 100 microM CCh for 30 min in Ca2+ -free medium (desensitizing treatment) inhibited the secretion induced by the subsequent addition of 10 microM CCh plus Ca2+, but not by stimulating the high affinity IgE receptor (FcepsilonRI). Desensitizing treatment of RBL-m2 cells reduced the affinity of the lipophilic ligand [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate to m2 mAChR without a reduction of the total m2 mAChR number. The treatment also decreased the cell surface mAChR number to 14% with a slight reduction in its affinity. Desensitizing treatment of RBL-m2 cells inhibited the CCh-induced transient increase in levels of IP3 and intracellular Ca2+ concentration. The results suggested that the CCh-induced desensitization of m2 mAChR-mediated secretion is due to the receptor sequestration followed by blocking the increase in [Ca2+]i and that this desensitizing mechanism is receptor-subtype-specific.

A functional assay for G-protein-coupled receptors using stably transformed insect tissue culture cell lines

Insect cells are an underexplored resource for functional G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) assays, despite a strong record in biochemical (binding) assays. Here we describe the use of vectors capable of creating stably transformed insect cell lines to generate a cell-based functional GPCR assay. This assay employs the luminescent photoprotein aequorin and the promiscuous G-protein subunit Galpha16 and is broadly applicable to human GPCRs. We demonstrate that the assay can quantitate ligand concentration-activity relationships for seven different human GPCRs, can differentiate between partial and full agonists, and can determine rank order potencies for both agonists and antagonists that match those seen with other assay systems. Human Galpha16 improves signal strength but is not required for activity with some receptors. The coexpression of human and bovine betagamma subunits and/or phospholipase Cbeta makes no difference to agonist efficacy or potency. Two different receptors expressed in the same cell line respond to their specific agonists, and two different cell lines (Sf9 and High 5) are able to functionally detect the same expressed GPCR. Sf9 cells have the capability to produce fully functional human receptors, allied to a low background of endogenous receptors, and so are a valuable system for investigating orphan GPCRs and receptor dimerization.

Co-expression of the beta2-adrenoceptor and dopamine D1-receptor with Gsalpha proteins in Sf9 insect cells: limitations in comparison with fusion proteins

The G-protein G(salpha) exists in three isoforms, the G(salpha) splice variants G(salphashort) (G(salphaS)) and G(salphalong) (G(salphaL)), and the G-protein G(alphaolf) that is not only involved in olfactory signaling but also in extrapyramidal motor regulation. Studies with beta(2)-adrenoceptor (beta(2)AR)-G(salpha) fusion proteins showed that G(salpha) proteins activate adenylyl cyclase (AC) in the order of efficacy G(salphaS)>G(salphaL) approximately G(alphaolf) and that G(salpha) proteins confer the hallmarks of constitutive activity to the beta(2)AR in the order of efficacy G(salphaL)>G(alphaolf)>G(salphaS). However, it is unclear whether such differences between G(salpha) proteins also exist in the nonfused state. In the present study, we co-expressed the beta(2)AR and dopamine D(1)-receptor (D(1)R) with G(salpha) proteins at different ratios in Sf9 insect cells. In agreement with the fusion protein studies, nonfused G(alphaolf) was less efficient than nonfused G(salphaS) and G(salphaL) at activating AC, but otherwise, we did not observe differences between the three G(salpha) isoforms. Thus, it is much easier to dissect differences between G(salpha) isoforms using beta(2)AR-G(salpha) fusion proteins than nonfused G(salpha) isoforms.

G protein-coupled receptor overexpression with the baculovirus-insect cell system: a tool for structural and functional studies

G protein-coupled receptors, whose topology shows seven transmembrane domains, form the largest known family of receptors involved in higher organism signal transduction. These receptors are generally of low natural abundance and overexpression is usually a prerequisite to their structural or functional characterisation. The baculovirus-insect cell system constitutes a versatile tool for the maximal production of receptors. This heterologous expression system also provides interesting alternatives for receptor functional studies in a well-controlled cellular context.

Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate is acting as a signal molecule in alpha(1)-adrenergic pathway via the modulation of acetylcholine-activated K(+) channels in mouse atrial myocytes

We have investigated the effect of alpha(1)-adrenergic agonist phenylephrine (PE) on acetylcholine-activated K(+) currents (I(KACh)). I(KACh) was recorded in mouse atrial myocytes using the patch clamp technique. I(KACh) was activated by 10 microm ACh and the current decreased by 44.27 +/- 2.38% (n = 12) during 4 min due to ACh-induced desensitization. When PE was applied with ACh, the extent of desensitization was markedly increased to 69.34 +/- 2.22% (n = 9), indicating the presence of PE-induced desensitization. I(KACh) was fully recovered from desensitization after a 6-min washout. PE-induced desensitization of I(KACh) was not affected by protein kinase C inhibitor, calphostin C, but abolished by phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor, neomycin. When phophatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP(2)) replenishment was blocked by wortmannin (an inhibitor of phophatidylinositol 3-kinase and phophatidylinositol 4-kinase), desensitization of I(KACh) in the presence of PE was further increased (97.25 +/- 7.63%, n = 6). Furthermore, the recovery from PE-induced desensitization was inhibited, and the amplitude of I(KACh) at the second exposure after washout was reduced to 19.65 +/- 2.61% (n = 6) of the preceding level. These data suggest that the K(ACh) channel is modulated by PE through PLC stimulation and depletion of PIP(2).

Phosphorylation uncouples the gastrin-releasing peptide receptor from G(q)

Previous work on the desensitization of G protein-coupled receptors has focused on the role of arrestin binding following receptor phosphorylation. We have examined the hypothesis that phosphorylation alone contributes to desensitization. In this study we demonstrate that for the G(q)-coupled gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRP-R), phosphorylation by GRK2 to a stoichiometry of approximately 1 mol PO(4)/mol GRP-R is sufficient in the absence of arrestin to reduce the rate of receptor catalyzed G protein activation by approximately 80%. Furthermore, GRP-Rs exposed in vivo to agonist are rapidly phosphorylated to a similar stoichiometry and are desensitized to a similar degree. Finally, the molecular mechanism for both in vitro GRK2-induced and in vivo agonist-induced desensitization is primarily a decrease in the maximum velocity (V(max)) for the catalysis of guanine nucleotide exchange by the GRP-R rather than a change in the affinity of the receptor for the alpha(q) or betagamma subunits. Based on these results, we suggest that, for some G protein-coupled receptors, phosphorylation has a role in desensitization that is independent of arrestin.

G-protein coupled receptor kinases as modulators of G-protein signalling

G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) comprise one of the largest classes of signalling molecules. A wide diversity of activating ligands induce the active conformation of GPCRs and lead to signalling via heterotrimeric G-proteins and downstream effectors. In addition, a complex series of reactions participate in the 'turn-off' of GPCRs in both physiological and pharmacological settings. Some key players in the inactivation or 'desensitization' of GPCRs have been identified, whereas others remain the target of ongoing studies. G-protein coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) specifically phosphorylate activated GPCRs and initiate homologous desensitization. Uncoupling proteins, such as members of the arrestin family, bind to the phosphorylated and activated GPCRs and cause desensitization by precluding further interactions of the GPCRs and G-proteins. Adaptor proteins, including arrestins, and endocytic machinery participate in the internalization of GPCRs away from their normal signalling milieu. In this review we discuss the roles of these regulatory molecules as modulators of GPCR signalling.

The alpha2A-adrenergic receptor discriminates between Gi heterotrimers of different betagamma subunit composition in Sf9 insect cell membranes

In view of the expanding roles of the betagamma subunits of the G proteins in signaling, the possibility was raised that the rich diversity of betagamma subunit combinations might contribute to the specificity of signaling at the level of the receptor. To test this possibility, Sf9 cell membranes expressing the recombinant alpha2A-adrenergic receptor were used to assess the contribution of the betagamma subunit composition. Reconstituted coupling between the receptor and heterotrimeric Gi protein was assayed by high affinity, guanine nucleotide-sensitive binding of the alpha2-adrenergic agonist, [3H]UK-14,304. Supporting this hypothesis, the present study showed clear differences in the abilities of the various betagamma dimers, including those containing the beta3 subtype and the newly described gamma4, gamma10, and gamma11 subtypes, to promote interaction of the same alphai subunit with the alpha2A-adrenergic receptor.

Mu-opioid receptor expression in High Five insect cells is regulated by 5' untranslated region (5'UTR)

There is increasing evidence that the 5'UTR of mRNAs affects regulation of gene expression in eukaryotic cells. We examined the overexpression of the mu-opioid receptor in High Five insect cells, employing rat mu-receptor cDNA linked to variable lenghts of their native 5'UTR. The sequences employed consist of either 209 nucleotides (termed ,,long") upstream the translation initiation site of the mu-receptor mRNA, or a truncated 5'UTR comprising only 11 nucleotides (,,short"). These constructs served to generate recombinant baculovirus for the expression of mu-receptor protein in High Five insect cells. 48 hours after baculovirus infection cells were harvested for mu-receptor characterization or RNA analysis. Scatchard analysis of radioligand binding consistently revealed three to four fold higher concentrations of the mu-opioid receptors expressed with the ,,long" over the ,,short" UTR containing baculovirus. The distinct expression rates of mu-receptors paralleled the amounts of mRNAs determined by RNase protection assay. Regardless of the distinct 5'UTR regions, the expressed opioid receptors displayed identical high affinity binding characteristics for the opioid antagonist diprenorphine and similar EC50 values to inhibit forskolin (10(-5) M) stimulated cAMP synthesis. Our results demonstrate that the native 5'UTR of the mu-opioid receptor has an enhancing effect on expression in the baculovirus/insect cell system.

Multiple mechanisms involving protein phosphorylation are linked to desensitization of muscarinic receptors

Agonists induce phosphorylation of m2 muscarinic receptors (mAChR) in several cell types. This phosphorylation correlates with desensitization. The mechanisms underlying mAChR phosphorylation have been investigated using several in vitro approaches. Protein kinase C phosphorylated the purified and reconstituted m2 mAChR to a stoichiometry of approximately 5 mols P/mol receptor; this phosphorylation resulted in the decreased ability of receptors to activate G-proteins. Although the phosphorylation by PKC was not modulated by agonist binding to the mAChR, heterotrimeric G-proteins were able to completely block the PKC-mediated effects. If significant receptor/G-protein coupling occurs in vivo, agonists would be required to promote dissociation of the G-proteins from the receptors and reveal the phosphorylation sites for PKC. Members of the G-protein coupled receptor kinase (GRK) family also phosphorylated the purified and reconstituted m2 mAChR. In contrast to PKC, the GRKs phosphorylated the m2 mAChR strictly in an agonist-dependent manner. GRK mediated phosphorylation perturbed receptor/G-protein coupling. In addition, phosphorylation allowed for arrestin binding to the m2 mAChR which should further contribute to desensitization. Using a new strategy that does not require purification and reconstitution of receptors for GRK studies, the m3 mAChR were revealed as substrates for the GRKs. For both the m2 and m3 receptor subtypes, the most effective kinases were GRK 2 and 3. Phosphorylation of the receptors by these enzymes was stimulated by low concentrations of G-proteins and by membrane phospholipids. Thus, multiple mechanisms involving protein phosphorylation appear to contribute to the overall process of mAChR desensitization.

Desensitization of G-protein-coupled receptors in the cardiovascular system

Multiple mechanisms exist to control the signaling and density of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPRs). Upon agonist binding and receptor activation, a series of reactions participate in the turn off or desensitization of GPRs. Many GPRs are phosphorylated by protein kinases and consequently uncoupled from G proteins. In addition, many GPRs are sequestered from the cell surface and become inaccessible to their activating ligands. Both receptor:G protein uncoupling and receptor sequestration may involve the participation of arrestins or other proteins. A model for receptor regulation has been developed from studies of the beta-adrenergic receptor. However, recent studies suggest that other GPRs important in the cardiovascular system, such as the muscarinic cholinergic receptors that regulate heart rate, might be regulated by mechanisms other than those that regulate the beta-adrenergic receptors. This review summarizes our current understanding of the processes involved in the desensitization of GPRs.

Expression and recovery of functional G-protein-coupled receptors using baculovirus expression systems

Baculovirus expression systems have been used for more than ten years as the tool of choice to over-express G-protein-coupled receptors. Although this expression system has also been used to study the signaling mechanisms of the receptors at the cellular level, it was found to be a most useful method to produce large quantities of receptors for biochemical and biophysical studies. Methods that allow easy and selective recovery of properly folded and mature receptors in viral particles open new perspectives for such applications.

Subtype-specific endothelin-A and endothelin-B receptor desensitization correlates with differential receptor phosphorylation

In the rat cardiovascular system endothelin-1 (ET-1) elicits prolonged physiologic responses mediated by the ETA receptor, whereas the effects mediated by the ETB receptor are transient. The molecular mechanisms for the subtype-specific responses are not yet clear. However, post-translational modifications such as phosphorylation and palmitoylation may play an important role. In Sf9 cells overexpressing the human ETA and ETB receptors, both subtypes are palmitoylated. However, only the ETB but not the ETA receptor is phosphorylated in a ligand-dependent manner. Because phosphorylation is believed to play an important role in ligand-dependent receptor inactivation, we analyzed whether the differential phosphorylation of the ETA and ETB receptors reflects a differential mechanism of receptor inactivation. Using a modified inositol phosphate accumulation assay, we analyzed CHO cells that expressed the ETA or ETB receptor. The ETB receptor was deactivated almost completely within 5 min after agonist stimulation, whereas stimulation of the ETA receptor resulted in sustained activation, i.e., > 90% of the initial activity was maintained after 5 min of ligand stimulation and > 30% after 20 min. A strong correlation was observed between the time course of ETA receptor inactivation and ETA receptor internalization. The endogenous ETA receptor in Rat-1 cells produced a prolonged stimulation of phospholipase C similar to that seen in CHO cells. Therefore, the sustained signaling activity of the ETA receptor is not a property only of recombinant cell lines. Together, our data suggest rapid ETB receptor inactivation due to phosphorylation and delayed ETA receptor inactivation by internalization. These mechanisms adequately reflect the differential response patterns of the ET receptors under physiologic conditions.

Importance of the carboxy-terminus of the CXCR2 for signal transduction

The CXCR2 is phosphorylated at the C-terminal intracytoplasmic portion within 15 sec following the addition of IL-8 or MGSA. Cells transfected with a truncated form of the receptor missing the last 12 amino acids (T3) showed normal binding affinity, but were no longer phosphorylated; individual alanine replacement indicated that Ser346 and 348 were the primary sites of phosphorylation. In studies of the importance of phosphorylation in CXCR2 desensitization, cells expressing wild type CXCR2 lost GTP gamma S binding above basal rate after the first exposure to IL-8, while cells with the T3 mutant retained 60% of their capacity to induce GTP gamma S exchange upon a second exposure to IL-8. In contrast, receptor internalization was not affected by the loss of phosphorylation of the T3 mutant. Further receptor truncation led to decreasing binding affinities for IL-8 and MGSA and a decreased rate of GTP gamma S exchange following addition of excess ligand which suggests involvement of this region in G-protein coupling.

Human substance P receptor expressed in Sf9 cells couples with multiple endogenous G proteins

To identify the G proteins involved in the function of human substance P receptor (hSPR), the receptor was expressed in Sf9 cells using the baculovirus expression system. Maximal hSPR expression was up to 65 pmol/mg membrane protein. The following data indicated that hSPR in Sf9 membranes is coupled to endogenous G proteins: 1) binding of agonist radioligand [125I]BHSP to the receptor was sensitive to guanine nucleotides; and 2) stimulation of the receptor increased [35S]GTPgammaS binding. The hSPR-associated G proteins were identified by photoaffinity labeling with [alpha-32P]-azidoanilido GTP ([alpha-32P]AAGTP), followed by immunoprecipitation of the labeled G proteins with antibodies specific for various Galpha-subunits. These experiments showed that stimulation of hSPR in Sf9 membranes activated multiple endogenous G proteins including Galpha(o), Galpha(q/11), and Galpha(s). While hSPR's ability to associate with Gq/11 is well-documented, the present study provides the first evidence of hSPR's potential to activate Galpha(o) and Galpha(s).

Recovery of homogeneous and functional beta 2-adrenergic receptors from extracellular baculovirus particles

Expression in baculovirus-infected insect cells allows sufficient production of G-protein coupled receptor for structural studies. An important drawback of this expression system comes from the presence of unprocessed and biologically inactive receptors that have to be eliminated during receptor purification steps. We show that viral particles released from Sf9 cells infected with a recombinant baculovirus coding for the human beta 2-adrenergic receptor (beta 2AR) cDNA contain glycosylated and biologically active beta 2AR. In addition, post-translational modifications known to modulate receptor activity were found to occur in these particles.

Phosphorylation of four amino acid residues in the carboxyl terminus of the rat somatostatin receptor subtype 3 is crucial for its desensitization and internalization

Agonist-dependent internalization of the rat somatostatin receptor subtype 3 (SSTR3) requires four hydroxyl amino acids (Ser341, Ser346, Ser351, and Thr357) in the receptor C terminus (Roth, A., Kreienkamp, H.-J., Nehring, R., Roostermann, D., Meyerhof, W. and Richter, D. (1997) DNA Cell Biol. 16, 111-119). Here we report on the molecular mechanism responsible for the endocytotic process by analyzing the agonist-dependent phosphorylation of wild-type and mutant receptors expressed in human embryonic kidney cells. Wild-type SSTR3 is phosphorylated in response to agonist treatment. Phosphorylation is markedly reduced in a S341A/S346A/S351A triple mutant and is also reduced, but to a lesser extent, in the T357A point mutant. Internalization of the wild-type receptor is preceded by a functional desensitization of the receptor; in contrast, the triple serine mutant does not desensitize after treatment with agonists as assayed by its ability to inhibit forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity. After internalization via a clathrin-coated vesicle mediated endocytotic pathway, SSTR3 efficiently recycles to the cell surface, suggesting that agonist mediated endocytosis is necessary for the functional resensitization of a phosphorylated and desensitized receptor.

cAMP-dependent regulation of cardiac L-type Ca2+ channels requires membrane targeting of PKA and phosphorylation of channel subunits

The cardiac L-type Ca2+ channel is a textbook example of an ion channel regulated by protein phosphorylation; however, the molecular events that underlie its regulation remain unknown. Here, we report that in transiently transfected HEK293 cells expressing L-type channels, elevations in cAMP resulted in phosphorylation of the alpha1C and beta2a channel subunits and increases in channel activity. Channel phosphorylation and regulation were facilitated by submembrane targeting of protein kinase A (PKA), through association with an A-kinase anchoring protein called AKAP79. In transfected cells expressing a mutant AKAP79 that is unable to bind PKA, phosphorylation of the alpha1C subunit and regulation of channel activity were not observed. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that the association of an AKAP with PKA was required for beta-adrenergic receptor-mediated regulation of L-type channels in native cardiac myocytes, illustrating that the events observed in the heterologous expression system reflect those occurring in the native system. Mutation of Ser1928 to alanine in the C-terminus of the alpha1C subunit resulted in a complete loss of cAMP-mediated phosphorylation and a loss of channel regulation. Thus, the PKA-mediated regulation of L-type Ca2+ channels is critically dependent on a functional AKAP and phosphorylation of the alpha1C subunit at Ser1928.

Expression and purification of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae alpha-factor receptor (Ste2p), a 7-transmembrane-segment G protein-coupled receptor

A plasmid vector was developed that permitted high-level expression of a functional form of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae alpha-factor receptor (the STE2 gene product) tagged at its C-terminal end with an epitope (FLAG) and a His6 tract. When expressed in yeast from this plasmid, Ste2p was produced at a level at least 3-fold higher than that reported previously for any other 7-transmembrane-segment receptor expressed in the same cells. For purification, isolated cell membranes containing the overexpressed receptor were solubilized with detergent under specific conditions and subjected to immobilized metal affinity chromatography. Yields as high as 1 mg of nearly homogeneous (95%) receptor were routinely obtained even from relatively small scale preparations (60 g of frozen cell paste). The purified receptor was reconstituted into artificial phospholipid vesicles. Radioligand binding studies demonstrated that the purified receptor, in the reconstituted vesicles, bound its tridecapeptide ligand (alpha-factor) with a KD (155 nM) consistent with the affinity expected for this receptor in the absence of its associated G protein. Efficient restoration of ligand binding activity upon reconstitution required the addition of solubilized membranes prepared from a yeast strain lacking the receptor. Sufficient amounts of active material can be obtained by this procedure to allow physical studies of this receptor and other 7-transmembrane-segment receptors expressed in this system.

Two homologous phosphorylation domains differentially contribute to desensitization and internalization of the m2 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor

Short term exposure of m2 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (m2 mAChRs) to agonist causes a rapid phosphorylation of the activated receptors, followed by a profound loss in the ability of the m2 mAChR to activate its signaling pathways. We have used site-directed mutagenesis to identify two clusters of Ser/Thr residues in the third intracellular loop of the m2 mAChR that can serve as redundant targets for agonist-dependent phosphorylation. Mutation of both clusters of Ser/Thr residues to alanines abolished agonist-dependent phosphorylation, while wild-type levels of m2 mAChR phosphorylation were observed in mutant receptors with only one or the other cluster mutated. However, the functional effects of phosphorylation of these two "redundant" clusters were not equivalent. No receptor desensitization was observed in an m2 mAChR with residues Thr307-Ser311 mutated to alanine residues. In contrast, mutation of the other Ser/Thr cluster, residues Ser286-Ser290, to alanines produced a receptor that continued to desensitize. Internalization of the m2 mAChR was promoted by phosphorylation of either cluster, suggesting that distinct mechanisms with unique structural requirements act downstream of m2 mAChR phosphorylation to mediate receptor desensitization and receptor internalization.

Agonist-induced desensitization, internalization, and phosphorylation of the sst2A somatostatin receptor

Cellular responsiveness to the inhibitory peptide somatostatin (SRIF) or its clinically used analogs can desensitize with agonist exposure. While desensitization of other seven-transmembrane domain receptors is mediated by receptor phosphorylation and/or internalization, the mechanisms mediating SRIF receptor (sst) desensitization are unknown. Therefore, we investigated the susceptibility of the sst2A receptor isotype to ligand-induced desensitization, internalization, and phosphorylation in GH-R2 cells, a clone of pituitary tumor cells overexpressing this receptor. A 30-min exposure of cells to either SRIF or the analog SMS 201-995 (SMS) reduced both the potency and efficacy of agonist inhibition of adenylyl cyclase. Internalization of receptor-bound ligand was rapid (t1/2 = 4 min) and temperature-dependent. SRIF and SMS increased the phosphorylation of the 71-kDa sst2A protein 25-fold within 15 min. Receptor phosphorylation was dependent on both the concentration and time of agonist exposure and was not affected by pertussis toxin pretreatment, indicating that receptor occupancy rather than second messenger formation was required. Receptor phosphorylation was also stimulated by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate activation of protein kinase C. Both ligand-stimulated and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-stimulated receptor phosphorylation occurred primarily on serine. These studies are the first demonstration of agonist-dependent desensitization, internalization, and phosphorylation of the sst2A receptor and suggest that phosphorylation may mediate the homologous and heterologous regulation of this receptor.

Desensitization and sequestration of human m2 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors by autoantibodies from patients with Chagas' disease

Chronic Chagas' disease is associated with pathologic changes of the cardiovascular, digestive, and autonomic nervous system, culminating in autonomic denervation and congestive heart failure. Previously, circulating autoantibodies that activate signaling by cardiac muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) have been described. However, it remains unclear whether the chagasic IgGs directly interact with the m2 mAChRs (predominant cardiac subtype), and, if so, whether chronic exposure of the mAChRs to such activating IgGs would result in receptor desensitization. Here we performed studies with purified and reconstituted hm2 mAChRs and demonstrate that IgGs from chagasic serum immunoprecipitated the mAChRs in a manner similar to an anti-m2 mAChR monoclonal antibody tested in parallel. The chagasic antibodies did not directly interact with the ligand binding site, because the binding of radiolabeled antagonist was unchanged by the addition of the chagasic IgG. In intact cells stably expressing the hm2 mAChR, the chagasic IgGs, but not normal IgGs, mimicked the ability of the agonist acetylcholine to induce two effects associated with agonist-induced receptor desensitization: a decrease in affinity for agonist binding to m2 mAChR and sequestration of the hm2 mAChRs from the cell surface. The results demonstrate that the chagasic IgGs can directly interact with and desensitize m2 mAChRs and provide support for the hypothesis of autoimmune mechanisms having a role in the pathogenesis of Chagas' cardioneuromyopathy.

Phosphorylation of the V2 vasopressin receptor

The V2 vasopressin receptor undergoes ligand-induced sequestration and desensitization (Birnbaumer, M., Antaramian, A., Themmen, A. P. N., and Gilbert, S. (1992) J. Biol. Chem. 267, 11783-11788). The V2 receptor expressed in transfected cells labeled with [32P] orthophosphate was phosphorylated following the addition of 100 nM arginine vasopressin (AVP). Phosphorylation was complete 5 min after addition of AVP, and was not stimulated by increased levels of Ca2+ or cAMP. The half-maximal dose of AVP that stimulated phosphorylation was 2.4 +/- 0.4 nM, similar to the receptor KD of 4. 5 +/- 0.4 nM. The role of phosphorylation on receptor desensitization was investigated by studying two vasopressin receptors 14 and 27 amino acids shorter than the wild type receptor. The missing segments were not needed for normal ligand binding or coupling to Gs, but the last 14 amino acids were required for phosphorylation. The truncated receptors exposed to 100 nM AVP were sequestered and desensitized. The R137H V2R mutant receptor that binds vasopressin with wild type-like affinity and does not couple to Gs (Rosenthal, W., Antaramian, A., Gilbert, S., and Birnbaumer, M. (1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268, 13030-13033) was phosphorylated and subjected to ligand-induced sequestration. These results established that phosphorylation is not essential for sequestration and desensitization of the V2 vasopressin receptor. Furthermore, they revealed that the conformation acquired after ligand occupancy is necessary for receptor phosphorylation and sequestration, while coupling to Gs is not.

Expression of functional human muscarinic M2 receptors in different insect cell lines

Human M2 receptors were expressed using the baculovirus expression system in three different insect cell lines: Sf9, Sf21 and High5. The level of expression was slightly increased in Sf21 cells versus Sf9 cells. In contrast, High5 cells were not able to produce more recombinant protein than Sf9. We also show that in both Spodoptera frugiperda cell lines a peak of expression was reached after 6 days of infection, whereas in High5 cells, the maximum of expression occurred after 3 days. Immunodetection of m2 muscarinic receptor clearly shows that the expressed protein undergoes significant proteolysis in both the Sf9 and High5 cells, whereas in the Sf21 cells this phenomenon was less detectable. Additionally, we show that in all three cell lines, the expressed recombinant receptor was functional in that it was able to stimulate GTP gamma S binding in the presence of exogenous G-proteins. Analysis of the population of G-proteins (G alpha i, G alpha o and G beta common) in Sf21 and High5 cells is provided.

Functional role of the third cytoplasmic loop in muscarinic receptor dimerization

By means of the expression of two chimeric receptors, alpha2/m3 and m3/alpha2, in which the carboxyl-terminal receptor portions, containing transmembrane (TM) domains VI and VII, were exchanged between the alpha2C adrenergic and the m3 muscarinic receptor, Maggio et al. (Maggio, R., Vogel, Z., and Wess, J. (1993) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 90, 3103-31073) demonstrated that G protein-linked receptors are able to interact functionally with each other at the molecular level to form (hetero)dimers. In the present study we tested the hypothesis that interaction between receptors might depend on the presence of a long third intracellular (i3) loop and that shortening this loop could impair the capability of receptors to form dimers. To address this question, we initially created short chimeric alpha2 adrenergic/m3 muscarinic receptors in which 196 amino acids were deleted from the i3 loop (alpha2/m3-short and m3/alpha2-short). Although co-transfection of alpha2/m3 and m3/alpha2 resulted in the appearance of specific binding, the co-expression of the two short constructs (alpha2/m3-short and m3/alpha2-short), either together or in combination, respectively, with m3/alpha2 and alpha2/m3 did not result in any detectable binding activity. In another set of experiments, a mutant m3 receptor, m3/m2(16aa), containing 16 amino acids of the m2 receptor sequence at the amino terminus of the third cytoplasmic loop, which was capable of binding muscarinic ligands but was virtually unable to stimulate phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis, was also mutated in the i3 loop, resulting in the m3/m2(16aa)-short receptor. Although co-transfection of m3/m2(16aa) with a truncated form of the m3 receptor (m3-trunc, containing an in frame stop codon after amino acid codon 272 of the rat m3 sequence) resulted in a considerable carbachol-stimulated phosphatidylinositol breakdown, the co-transfection of m3/m2(16aa)-short with the truncated form of the m3 receptor did not result in any recovery of the functional activity. Thus, these data suggest that intermolecular interaction between muscarinic receptors, involving the exchange of amino-terminal (containing TM domains I-V) and carboxyl-terminal (containing TM domains VI and VII) receptor fragments depends on the presence of a long i3 loop. One may speculate that when alternative forms of receptors with a different length of the i3 loop exist, they could have a different propensity to dimerize.

Characterization of a novel iodinated ligand, IPMPP, for human dopamine D4 receptors expressed in CHO cells

A novel radioiodinated ligand with a high specific activity (2,200 Ci/mmol), 3-[4-(4-iodophenyl)piperazin-1-yl]methyl-1H-pyrrolo(2,3-b)pyridine ([125I]IPMPP), was successfully prepared. Binding characteristics of [125I]IPMPP were evaluated using human dopamine D4 (D4.2 variant) receptors expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Saturation analysis revealed high-affinity binding sites for [125I]IPMPP (Kd = 0.39 +/- 0.18 nM). The number of D4 receptors labeled with [125I]IPMPP at room temperature was four times higher than that labeled with [125I]S(-)5-OH-PIPAT, a radioiodinated agonist ligand (572 fmol/mg protein vs. 125 fmol/mg protein). A significant decrease in the number of binding sites was observed with [125I]S(-)5-OH-PIPAT when assays were carried out at a higher temperature (37 degrees C vs. 25 degrees C). In contrast to [125I]S(-)5-OH-PIPAT, [125I]IPMPP labeled more D4 sites at 37 degrees C. Neither magnesium ion nor guanylimidodiphosphate (Gpp(NH)p) affected [125I]IPMPP binding. These data support the conclusion that [125I]IPMPP is an antagonist ligand. The potency of various compounds, including clozapine, to inhibit [125I]IPMPP binding is consistent with the rank order measured with other radioligands for D4 receptors. In addition, measuring D4 receptor stimulation of [35S]GTPgammaS binding further demonstrated the antagonist property of IPMPP.

Identification of phosphorylation sites of human 85-kDa cytosolic phospholipase A2 expressed in insect cells and present in human monocytes

The phosphorylation sites on the human, 85-kDa cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) were identified using recombinant cPLA2 expressed in Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) cells. Analysis by high performance liquid chromatography of tryptic digests of 32P-labeled recombinant cPLA2 showed four major peaks of radiolabeled phosphopeptides. The phosphorylated residues were identified as Ser-437, Ser-454, Ser-505, and Ser-727 using mass spectrometry and automated Edman sequencing. Sf9 cells infected with recombinant virus expressing cPLA2 exhibited a time-dependent release of arachidonic acid in response to the calcium ionophore A23187 or the protein phosphatase inhibitor okadaic acid, which was not observed in Sf9 cells infected with wild-type virus. Stimulation of Sf9 cells with A23187 and okadaic acid also increased the level of phosphorylation of cPLA2. Okadaic acid, but not A23187, induced a gel shift of cPLA2 and increased the level of phosphorylation of Ser-727 by 4.5-fold, whereas the level of phosphorylation of the other sites increased by 60% or less in response to both agonists. To determine whether the same sites on cPLA2 were phosphorylated in mammalian cells, human monocytes were studied. Okadaic acid stimulation of monocytes induced a gel shift of cPLA2, increased the release of arachidonic acid, and increased the level of phosphorylation of cPLA2 on serine residues. Comparison of two-dimensional peptide maps of tryptic digests of 32P-labeled recombinant cPLA2 and human monocyte cPLA2 demonstrated that the same peptides on cPLA2 were phosphorylated in mammalian cells as in insect cells. These results show that the Sf9-baculovirus expression system is useful for investigation of the phosphorylation sites on cPLA2. The results also suggest that phosphorylation of the cPLA2 by protein kinases other than mitogen-activated protein kinase may be important for the regulation of arachidonic acid release.

Phosphorylation of human m1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors by G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 and protein kinase C

Human muscarinic acetylcholine receptor m1 subtypes (m1 receptors) were expressed in and purified from insect Sf9 cells and then subjected to phosphorylation by G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) expressed in and purified from Sf9 cells and by protein kinase C purified from rat brain (a mixture of alpha, beta, and gamma types, PKC). The m1 receptor was phosphorylated by either GRK2 or PKC in an agonist-dependent or independent manner, respectively. G protein beta gamma subunits stimulated the phosphorylation by GRK2 but did not affect the phosphorylation by PKC. The number of incorporated phosphates was 4.6 and 2.8 mol/mol of receptor for phoshorylation by GRK2 and PKC, respectively. The number of incorporated phosphates was 7.5 mol/mol receptor for phosphorylation by GRK2 followed by PKC, but was 5.8 mol/mol of receptor for the phosphorylation by PKC followed by GRK2. Major sites phosphorylated by GRK2 and PKC were located in the third intracellular loop and the carboxyl-terminal tail, respectively. These results indicate that GRK2 and PKC phosphorylate different sites of m1 receptors and that the phosphorylation by PKC partially inhibits the phosphorylation by GRK2, probably by affecting activation of GRK2 by agonist-bound receptors.

Desensitization and internalization of the m2 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor are directed by independent mechanisms

The phenomenon of acute desensitization of G-protein-coupled receptors has been associated with several events, including receptor phosphorylation, loss of high affinity agonist binding, receptor:G-protein uncoupling, and receptor internalization. However, the biochemical events underlying these processes are not fully understood, and their contributions to the loss of signaling remain correlative. In addition, the nature of the kinases and the receptor domains which are involved in modulation of activity have only begun to be investigated. In order to directly measure the role of G-protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) in the desensitization of the m2 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (m2 mAChR), a dominant-negative allele of GRK2 was used to inhibit receptor phosphorylation by endogenous GRK activity in a human embryonic kidney cell line. The dominant-negative GRK2K220R reduced agonist-dependent phosphorylation of the m2 mAChR by approximately 50% and prevented acute desensitization of the receptor as measured by the ability of the m2 mAChR to attenuate adenylyl cyclase activity. In contrast, the agonist-induced internalization of the m2 mAChR was unaffected by the GRK2K220R construct. Further evidence linking receptor phosphorylation to acute receptor desensitization was obtained when two deletions of the third intracellular loop were made which created m2 mAChRs that did not become phosphorylated in an agonist-dependent manner and did not desensitize. However, the mutant mAChRs retained the ability to internalize. These data provide the first direct evidence that GRK-mediated receptor phosphorylation is necessary for m2 mAChR desensitization; the likely sites of in vivo phosphorylation are in the central portion of the third intracellular loop (amino acids 282-323). These results also indicate that internalization of the m2 receptor is not a key event in desensitization and is mediated by mechanisms distinct from GRK phosphorylation of the receptor.

Overexpression of integral membrane proteins for structural studies

Determination of the structure of integral membrane proteins is a challenging task that is essential to understand how fundamental biological processes (such as photosynthesis, respiration and solute translocation) function at the atomic level. Crystallisation of membrane proteins in 3D has led to the determination of four atomic resolution structures [photosynthetic reaction centres (Allenet al. 1987; Changet al. 1991; Deisenhofer & Michel, 1989; Ermleret al. 1994); porins (Cowanet al. 1992; Schirmeret al. 1995; Weisset al. 1991); prostaglandin H2synthase (Picotet al. 1994); light harvesting complex (McDermottet al. 1995)], and crystals of membrane proteins formed in the plane of the lipid bilayer (2D crystals) have produced two more structures [bacteriorhodopsin (Hendersonet al. 1990); light harvesting complex (Kühlbrandtet al. 1994)].

The gastrin-releasing peptide receptor is rapidly phosphorylated by a kinase other than protein kinase C after exposure to agonist

Several guanine nucleotide-binding protein-coupled receptors are known to be rapidly phosphorylated after agonist exposure. In this study we show that the gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRP-R) is rapidly phosphorylated in response to agonist exposure. When [32P]orthophosphate-labeled cells were exposed to bombesin, the receptor was maximally phosphorylated on serine and threonine residues within 1 min. Although addition of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate also resulted in phosphorylation of the GRP-R, elimination of protein kinase C activity using the inhibitor 7-hydroxystaurosporine did not prevent bombesin-induced GRP-R phosphorylation. We conclude that a kinase other than protein kinase C is principally responsible for the rapid, agonist-induced phosphorylation of the GRP-R.

Expression of human M2 muscarinic receptors in Sf9 cells: characterisation and reconstitution with G-proteins

The gene for the human m2 muscarinic receptor was expressed in Sf9 cells using the baculovirus expression system. As assessed by [3H]NMS binding, Sf9 cells expressed receptor at levels of 3.3 pmoles/mg protein. The receptor was identified on western blots using an anti-muscarinic receptor antibody and was shown to have the pharmacological characteristics of an m2 muscarinic receptor. Membranes from Sf9 cells were examined to identify endogenous G-proteins by immuno-blotting and by ADP-ribosylation, indicating the presence of Gq, and a pertussis-toxin substrate which was not recognised by antibodies raised against the alpha-subunits of Gi1, Gi2, Gi3 or Go. Gsalpha was not detected, neither were there any cholera toxin substrates in Sf9 membranes. Sf9 membranes expressing m2 receptors did not show carbachol-stimulated GTPgammaS binding to endogenous G-proteins; however, when membranes were reconstituted with a mixture of purified Gi and Go, a maximum 8-fold stimulation of GTPgammaS binding was observed in response to carbachol that could be reduced by atropine. These data show that the human muscarinic m2 receptor expressed in Sf9 cells is functional.

Characterization of human 5-HT1 receptors expressed in Sf9 insect cells

Four human 5-HT receptor subtypes (5-HT1A, 5-HT1D alpha, 5-HT1D beta and 5-HT1E) have been expressed in Sf9 insect cells. All four human 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors produced by Sf9 cells had the expected pharmacological properties. Surprisingly, levels of expression of these receptors were relatively low (1-5 pmol/mg protein). High affinity agonist binding to the four 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors was reduced to different extents by guanine nucleotides and/or NaCl. This suggests that the nature of receptor-G protein coupling and/or the predominant conformational state of the receptors in Sf9 cell membranes varies among the different receptors. Activation of all four receptors inhibited forskolin-stimulated cAMP formation in intact Sf9 cells. Expression of 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors in Sf9 cells should be useful for purification of these receptors, for studies of post-translational modification and for pharmaceutical screening.

Ca2+ signaling in Sf9 insect cells and the functional expression of a rat brain M5 muscarinic receptor

The purpose of the present study was to examine Ca2+ signaling mechanisms in Sf9 cells and to demonstrate expression and functional linkage of a mammalian receptor to changes in cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). Addition of p-octopamine (50 microM to fura 2-loaded Sf9 cells produced a small transient increase in [Ca2+]i from a basal level of 58 +/- 10 to 194 +/- 7.6 (SD) nM. The response to octopamine was inhibited by both cyproheptadine and chlorpromazine and was mimicked by clonidine. In contrast, [Ca2+]i did not change in response to dopamine (50 microM), substance P (50 nM), histamine (50 microM), ATP (50 microM), acetylcholine (10 or 100 microM), carbachol (10 or 100 microM), serotonin (50 microM), epinephrine (10 microM), or bradykinin (50 nM). The Ca(2+)-adenosinetriphosphatase inhibitors thapsigargin (200 nM) and 2,5-di-tert-butylhydroquinone (BHQ; 10 microM) increased [Ca2+]i to 307 +/- 13 and 137 +/- 20 nM, respectively. In contrast to BHQ, the response to thapsigargin was attenuated by La3+ or removal of extracellular Ca2+ and increased by elevation of extracellular Ca2+. These results suggest that thapsigargin but not BHQ stimulates Ca2+ influx. The rat brain muscarinic receptor (subtype M5) was incorporated into the baculovirus by homologous recombination. Addition of carbachol (100 microM) increased [Ca2+]i from 92.7 +/- 6.4 to 480 +/- 26 nM in Sf9 cells infected with recombinant virus containing the M5 receptor cDNA. The effect of carbachol on [Ca2+]i was concentration dependent with a 50% effective concentration of approximately 30 microM and was blocked by atropine (10 microM).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Desensitization of cholecystokininB receptors in GH3 cells

Desensitization of the cholecystokinin (CCK) octapeptide (CCK-8)-induced rise in intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) was characterized in GH3 cells, a pituitary tumor cell line, which are known to possess CCKB receptor subtype. The CCK-8-induced [Ca2+]i transient was reduced following the initial application of CCK-8. A similar desensitization of the CCK-8-induced response was observed following the first application of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). By contrast, the TRH-induced response was not desensitized by the preceding application of CCK-8. Desensitization of the CCK-8-induced [Ca2+]i transient was associated with diminished inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate formation. The recovery of desensitization of the CCK-8-induced response was delayed by a phosphoserine/phosphothreonine phosphatase inhibitor, calyculin A (100 nM). The responsiveness to CCK-8 was also reduced by phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu), and this effect of PDBu was completely abolished by preincubation with staurosporine. Staurosporine significantly attenuated the desensitization caused by preincubation with CCK-8, but this effect was too small to attribute the desensitization to the protein kinase C transduction pathway alone. It is likely that desensitization of CCK receptors involves multiple transduction pathways.

Desensitization, phosphorylation and palmitoylation of the human dopamine D1 receptor

The regulation and post-translational modifications of the human dopamine D1 receptor were studied in the baculovirus-eukaryotic cell expression system. Baculovirus constructs containing either the DNA encoding the dopamine D1 receptor or a DNA encoding a c-myc epitope tagged dopamine D1 receptor (c-myc-dopamine D1 receptor) were used to infect Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) insect cells. Expressed dopamine D1 and c-myc-dopamine D1 receptors bound agonists and antagonists with affinities and a rank order of potency characteristic of a classical dopamine D1 receptor pharmacological profile. In membrane preparations from cells expressing c-myc-dopamine D1 receptor, the photoaffinity label [125I](3-methyl-2-[4'-azidophenyl]-2,3,5-tetrahydro-2H-3-benzazepine) ([125I]MAB) bound specifically upon photolysis. A major broad band of approximately 48 kDa was detected. This species was identified in immunoblots by the monoclonal antibody raised against the c-myc epitope of c-myc-dopamine D1 receptor was isolated by immunoprecipitation from whole cells and was shown to be post-translationally modified by phosphorylation and palmitoylation. Exposure of cells expressing c-myc-dopamine D1 receptor to dopamine for 15 min resulted in a reduction in the maximal dopamine stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity, which was accompanied by an increased phosphorylation of the receptor and a rapid redistribution of surface c-myc-dopamine D1 receptor as detected by in situ immunofluorescence. Dopamine exposure also resulted in an increased level of incorporation of [3H]palmitic acid into the receptor. Thus, we provide the first evidence that the human dopamine D1 receptor undergoes agonist-dependent desensitization, phosphorylation and palmitoylation.

Agonist-induced muscarinic cholinergic receptor internalization, recycling and degradation in cultured neuronal cells. Cellular mechanisms and role in desensitization

Short-term incubation of intact neuronal cells with muscarinic cholinergic agonists resulted in a rapid decrease of the specific binding of [3H]methylscopolamine to cell surface receptors indicative of receptor internalization. The agonists induced the internalization of both the muscarinic receptor subtypes coupled to adenylyl cyclase and those coupled to phosphoinositide turnover. Receptor internalization, which was inhibited at 0-4 degrees and by depletion of intracellular K+, is thought to occur through coated pits formation and was rapidly reversible. Receptor recycling did not imply protein synthesis. Down-regulation of muscarinic receptors occurred slowly in the presence of agonists, needed intact cytoskeleton (demonstrated by the inhibitory effect of colchicine) and involved lysosomal activity. Both receptor internalization and down-regulation were prevented by muscarinic receptor antagonists. Receptor internalization and down-regulation are agonist-induced cellular mechanisms that with receptor phosphorylation and uncoupling, may induce desensitization. These processes may contribute to complex intracellular regulatory processes and may be involved in some of the long-term effects of neurotransmitters (mainly neuropeptides and growth hormones) or drugs.